What is a Bar Stool?

A bar stool is a singular seat, usually taller than an average chair, that is designed to be placed in front of a bar top. Bar stools are commonly found in pubs and clubs at high tables or at the bar front, or in the home in the kitchen where breakfast bar stools are needed.

Bar stools are available in a variety of styles, with a common feature being a footrest to accommodate the extra height of the seat. Bar stool seat tops generally aren’t higher than 90cm to allow for easy access, with some bar stools offering variable seat heights using a gas-lift mechanism similar to those found in office chairs.

Traditional Bar Stools:

Traditional pub bar stools commonly feature 4 wooden legs with a round padded seat top, while variations on this design are widely available depending on the decor of their situation. More contemporary designs might be used in modern clubs and bars, or even for domestic use as kitchen bar stools.

Contemporary Bar Stools:

A common design among contemporary bar stools employs a single stem leg with a wide round base to add stability. Most modern bar stools utilise a gas-lift mechanism in the leg that allows the user to easily change the height of the seat. To allow bar stools to be offered to a domestic market, the seat tops can be made from moulded plastic, or even a padded seat upholstered with leather (faux-leather).

Bar stools are often found in a variety of situations other than pubs; they are ideal for use in establishments such as hairdressers, beauty salons and any other place that uses high counter tops. Bar stools are also commonly used in trade exhibitions where temporary, easily transportable seating is required.